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Tours & Attractions

DescaradA Luxury Charters launches DescaradA 2 into Whitsunday Queensland waters

Descarada2, Queensland's world class luxury cruise operator on the Great Barrier Reef, is located in the breathtakingly beautiful Whitsunday's, with a home port of Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach. DescaradA2, at 110 foot (33 metres) has 4 elegant cabins, ranging from a King Double, Double, Triple and Family Cabins, all with Ensuites, with a maximum capacity of 12 guests. A permanent crew of 4 looks after guests needs with activities such as Jetski-ing, Snorkeling, Bush Walking and a lavish selection food and beverages available. 
http://www.descarada.com.au/

North Queensland’s first golf and helicopter tour launched

Skysafari, in conjunction with Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club, has created the ultimate golfing day tour. Taking in three of North Queensland’s courses, golfers travel by helicopter to experience breathtaking views and 27 holes of golf on distinctly different courses; Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club, Sea Temple Port Douglas and Cooktown Golf Links at Walker Bay. Flying in a state-of-the-art R66 Robinson Helicopter, the tours depart from both Cairns and Port Douglas. For more information please contact Pip Miller - pip@pipmillerpr.com.au

New luxury cruising available on the Gold Coast

MY Seven Star is the newest cruising and charter experience at the Gold Coast. Taking place on board a luxuriously appointed 98 foot Azimut Leonardo mega yacht, guests are treated to indulgent canapés and beverages as well as stunning views of the Gold Coast Broadwater and Brisbane River. The yacht is available for special occasions, group tours and half day, full day and multi day charters as well. For more information please contact John Kaarsberg - john.kaarsberg@gctourism.com

Reef project takes Google Street View underwater

A new marine research project is aiming to create an underwater version of Google's street view, offering 360 degree views of parts of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

The University of Queensland is teaming up with Google and not-for-profit group Underwater Earth to photograph sites along the length of the reef to a depth of 100 metres.

Marine photographer Richard Vevers has spent 12 months refining the camera technology.

"We are looking at doing surveys of around four kilometres at a time and these are areas that really don't get any visitation at all, so you just do not know what is round the next corner."

He says the survey will be conducted at representative sites along 2,300 kilometres of the reef.

Brand new Sunshine Coast Super Pass

The Sunshine Coast has introduced the Sunshine Coast Super Pass, making visiting top attractions more affordable for families. The first of its kind in the region, Under Water World, Aussie World and Big Kart Track have joined forces to create the pass which allows entry into all three attractions for one price. The pass is valid for six months from the date of purchase, so visitors can experience the attractions at their own pace. For more information please contact Liz Tuckett - liz@scdl. com.au

Challenge Cairns now Ironman Cairns

Cairns is set to bask in an even bigger spotlight after USM Events last week announced that Challenge Cairns will now come under the Ironman banner and serve as a qualifier for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns will offer 100,000 EUR professional prize purse and additionally, 40 Ironman World Championship qualifying slots will be available for age group athletes.

Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns is the feather in the cap of the 10-day Cairns Airport Adventure Festival, which last year boosted the region's economy by $7.5 million.

The Cairns Airport Adventure Festival takes place from May 27 with Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns happening on June 3.

Solar Eclipse

On the 14^th November 2012 Australia’s Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region is the only place in the world where visitors can experience the full glory of a total solar eclipse. When dawn breaks across Cairns and Great Barrier Reef, the early chatter of birds and animals will be replaced by an eerie silence. Eclipse 2012 is attracting world-wide attention from visitors planning holidays around the event which is best viewed from the Cairns region.

www.eclipse2012.org.au